30 November, 2014

#cleaneating is a hashtag that has taken over social media. But what exactly is it ? Simply put, it is the idea of being more mindful of the food’s pathway between its origin and your plate.

Found in Prahran, Nourished:385 is Melbourne's newest clean eating cafe and restaurant, and is very much the epitome of a cool, calm and collected cafe. Head Chef Benjamin Hildred (ex Proud Mary) has produced a menu that aims to present foods as close to their natural state as possible - preservative free, locally sourced and using only the freshest free-range ingredients. That means no deep fryers, no excess fats or harmful GMOs will be found in his kitchen.

Finding ourselves a table overlooking the gardens in their courtyard, we kicked back, soaked up summer's warmth and fresh air as we sipped on our smoothies. My Super Charge smoothie was delightfully revitalising - bursting with pineapple, mango, watermelon, apple, banana, blueberries, goji berries, spinach and coconut water. On the other end of the table, my friend escaped to paradise with her Caribbean Calypso loaded with mango, passionfruit, banana, orange, shredded coconut and coconut water.

Smashed Avocado

If you know me well, you would also know that I love avocados. So when I heard that Nourished:385 did a Smashed Avocado with a killer twist, I was thrilled. What isn’t stimulating about smashed avocado served with jalapeño infused strawberry chutney, herbed labneh, and sticky balsamic honey on their home-made Nourished house loaf. Though I would usually opt for more savoury dishes, this sweeter number was a refreshing change.

Huevos Rancheros

My friend went for the Huevos Rancheros - baked eggs braised with beans, charred corn, chipotle yoghurt and crunchy corn chips. Typically a richer and heavier brekkie option, we were impressed how these baked eggs were modified to be much lighter and cleaner.

Chocolate Beetroot Brownie

We were also treated with a slice of their Chocolate Beetroot Brownie which incorporated all sorts of flavours and textures to tempt the tastebuds. The surprising addition of beetroot enhanced the sweetness and moistness, matching well with a scoop of banana coconut sorbet. Packed with all sorts of goodness, this was a slightly less guilty pleasure – easier on the hips, but still as satisfying on the lips.

Nourished:385 boasts quality food to nourish the body, welcoming staff and a comfortable atmosphere for all to appreciate. Whether it be breakfast, lunch or dinner Nourished:385 could easily become Nourished:365 – a spot to visit all day, every day.

confessions of a little piggy was invited to dine as a guest of Nourished:385